The bill H. 3277 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 23-3-557, which establishes strict regulations regarding sex offenders' contact and custody with their minor children. Effective January 1, 2026, individuals convicted of offenses requiring sex offender registration will be prohibited from having contact with their children under eighteen years old. This restriction can only be lifted by the court if the offender successfully completes a minimum of six months of documented therapy and demonstrates that their sexual deviancy is in remission, as confirmed by a qualified forensic psychologist. Additionally, the bill mandates that any visitation must adhere to a safety plan developed according to U.S. Justice Department guidelines, ensuring the child's well-being.

Furthermore, the bill requires offenders to report the names and addresses of their minor children to the court and obligates the circuit solicitor to provide nonoffending parents with information about their legal rights and ways to protect their children from the offending parent during the offender's probation or while on the sex offender registry. The legislation emphasizes the importance of safeguarding minors and outlines the necessary steps for offenders to regain contact with their children under strict supervision and conditions.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 23-3-557
02/05/2025: 23-3-557
Latest Version: 23-3-557
12/06/2024: 23-3-557